Why do I need to have an English language score to go to university?

Studying at university involves a lot of reading, listening to lectures, discussing, making presentations to fellow students and staff members, and writing assignments, dissertations and examinations.  The linguistic demands of university life are very high.

For this reason, and for their own benefit, all students must show that they have an adequate English language level to study a degree course at Aberystwyth University.

(Unless, of course, they are studying through the Welsh language).

Does everyone need an English Language certificate?

Yes.  Even 'native speakers' of English must prove that their English is good enough.  UK students must have the appropriate level in their school leaving examinations, which is usually described as at least Grade C at GCSE.  Alternative qualifications may be accepted.

I am an international student.  What level of English do I need?

International students must show that they have an English language level appropriate to the degree scheme that they will follow.  You can check the English Language entry requirements for Aberystwyth University here.

You can show that you have the right language level by showing a certificate for a recognised English language test.

Which English language certificates do you accept?

In the UK, the normal test used to assess English Language levels for university entry is the IELTS test.  Our language requirements are usually stated in terms of IELTS bands.  For degree schemes at Aberystwyth University these range from 6.0 to 7.0, with most degree schemes requiring 6.5.

Other commonly used tests include

• TOEFL (paper-based, internet-based, or computer-based)
• The Cambridge ESOL examinations (CAE and CPE)
• Some O-level, GCSE and IGCSE examinations
• Some university tests, e.g. University of Reading TEEP or University of Warwick WELT
• Local examinations from some students’ home countries, for example HKEAA

You can compare some of these tests here:  Compare IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC

Where can I get an IELTS certificate?

The IELTS test can be taken in most countries in the world.  It is run by the British Council, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) and IDP: IELTS Australia.  Most British Council offices are IELTS test centres.  Check the IELTS website www.ielts.org for a test centre near you.

The International English Centre at Aberystwyth University is also an IELTS test centre.  If you are in the UK you can take a test here.

I can’t take an IELTS test in my country.  What can I do?

You can take an English Language course with us.  We have a range of English Language courses in the International English Centre at Aberystwyth University.  These courses provide a way for every international student to reach the right level of English language to start their degree at Aberystwyth.  More information on these courses is available here.

My visa letter tells me about the CEFR level of my course.  What is that?

The CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.  It can be used for all European languages and it gives us a way of describing someone’s language level in terms of what they ‘can do’ with the language.

CEFR levels are now used by many English language schools as a description that will be widely understood.

Visa letters for international students now include the student’s current CEFR level, the required CEFR level for joining the course, and (in the case of English language courses) the final CEFR level for students completing the course.

In general, all students starting a degree scheme at Aberystwyth University should be a Proficient User (level C1 or C2) or at the very top of Independent User (B2).

Please see the CEFR 'can do' statements and

You can find more information about the requirements for your degree scheme here: English Language entry requirements for Aberystwyth University